Pocket Guide: Sint Maarten

The southern half of the divided island of Saint Martin, the Dutch-speaking country of Sint Maarten boasts a good selection of beaches, a lively nightlife, great shopping, top hotels and a stunning setting. Party the night away in the island’s capital, enjoy a round or two of golf in the tropical sun, explore Sint Maarten’s rugged interior by bike or get out onto the water and have a go at one of the many water sports Sint Maarten has to offer.

Where to Stay in Sint Maarten

Great Bay – Located right next to the city of Philipsburg, Great Bay is Sint Maarten’s most lively beach. Bars, restaurants, hotels and shops line the promenade, making Great Bay a great spot for a picturesque lunch, a relaxing day by the sea or an action packed night out.

Philipsburg – Philipsburg is Sint Maarten’s laid back capital. Shop for bargains on Front Street or in the town’s central market, enjoy a tasty meal at one of its high quality restaurants or head out for the night to one of Philipsburg’s bars or clubs, before heading back to a conveniently located, comfy hotel.

Maho Beach – Located at the end of the airport runway, Maho Beach is a fantastic destination for plane spotters. Watch passenger planes come in to land just feet above the sands as you soak up the sun on this stunning tropical bay.

Geneve Bay – This secluded spot is only accessible via an hour-long hike from neighbouring Guana Bay. Sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic swells, Geneve Bay is ideal if you want to escape the crowds and discover your very own slice of paradise.

How to Make the Most of Your Hotel in Sint Maarten

The country’s beaches are its most picturesque feature. Take the time to see at least a few different bays and coves during your stay to get an idea of Sint Maarten’s diversity and natural beauty. Sint Maarten also attracts holidaymakers interested in bird watching, with hundreds of species passing through the country every year. One of the most unique beaches in the region is Maho Beach where you can watch passenger planes come into land over the sand. Or to learn more about Sint Maarten’s fascinating past, visit the 17th century Fort Amsterdam. Built by the Dutch to protect Sint Maarten from pirates and invaders, it’s been watching over the country’s coastline for more than 300 years.

From shopping in Philipsburg’s markets and boutiques to enjoying an Al Fresco lunch at one of the capital’s many excellent restaurants, and from bird watching on the island’s secluded beaches to kayaking, horse riding and hiking in its interior, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the Caribbean idyll. If you’re interested in exploring the island’s interior, there is a great choice of walking routes crisscrossing Sint Maarten, with many taking visitors past natural beauty spots and points of interest. Alternatively, if you want to cool off and escape the Caribbean sun, Sint Maarten offers a wide variety of watersports including jet skiing, diving, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

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